The Old Charcoal Seller, a masterpiece by the famous Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, is a classic of Chinese poetry. The poem depicts an old charcoal vendor’s daily struggle for survival. Through his plight, Bai unveils the corrupt nature of the Gong Shi (“palace market”) and delivers a sharp critique of the ruler’s exploitation of the people. The poem satirizes the corrupt social realities of the time, expressing the author’s deep sympathy for the working class.